Trials of a Christian Couple

Kelley's parents arrived in the waiting room with frightened expressions as they silently witnessed their heartbroken daughter-in-law. Dad Roberts quietly got up from his chair stepping out into the hallway with them.
"Pastor, how is our boy?" Dad Peterson questioned as though fearing his answer.
"Darla has offered very little information. From what I saw and according to Darla, he survived the accident by the grace of God. Come, see him." Dad Roberts answered, putting his hand on Dad Peterson's back to comfort him.
Kelley's mother began to cry as she looked at her son lying motionless, with tubes and machines connected to him.
"It is okay, Mama. God is taking care of our boy. He is resting and getting his strength back He is a strapping lad. He will be fine." Dad Peterson comforted.
With her composure regained, Darla joined her in-laws at Kelley's side.
"Mom Peterson, it is okay to touch Kelley. I find comfort in holding his hand." Darla suggested, gently lifting Kelley's glass scratched hand toward her. Mom Peterson gently took her son's hand into hers.
"Kelley will heal. The only question the doctor has is whether Kelley will have brain damage. I personally do not believe God spared Kelley's life to allow him to be left with any handicaps. I simply refuse to accept this. I know the Lord is giving us each one our Kelley back, either as he was or better, if better is possible." Dad Peterson put his arm around his wife's shoulders as she held her son's hand, her tears streaming.
"Miss Darla is right, Honey. We must believe in the healing powers of our Jesus' stripes He bore and claim our son's healing." Dad Peterson comforted.
"I will believe this, I must." Mom Peterson replied, wiping her tears away.
Darla stood near the head of Kelley's bed with her eyes upon his face, silently praying and silently loving him.
"Kelley we are each here for you, Honey." Darla spoke; leaning near his face as she gently touched his face.
"Even when you do not hear our voices, we are with you in spirit. Fight to get well, Sweetheart. We are each counting on you. We need you and we love you."
"Mrs. Peterson, I do not believe the doctor would approve of more than two visitors at a time." A nurse informed.
"Why not, we are Kelley's family." Darla spoke looking at the nurse.
"It is policy two visitors at a time, Ma'am".
"I presently do not care about your policy. I only care about my husband's needs being administer to. I do not mean this with disrespect." Darla replied in her gentle yet determined tone.
"I assure you, we will give your husband the best care possible."
"I believe medically you have done a superb job and will continue to do so. Is your staff able to pray for my husband twenty-four hours a day?"
"Why no, but..."
"If your staff is not large enough to have at least two people sitting at my husband's side twenty-four hours a day to pray for him and talk to him until he regains consciousness, then I will be in charge of his mental and spiritual well-being." Darla informed.
"If you will give us just a few more minutes, with the understanding of my obligations, we will limit to two visitors, please."
"I am sorry, Mrs. Peterson, but I will have to speak with Dr. Porter about your request for two people in here twenty-four hours." The nurse informed.
"Five more minutes and then two visitors until I have a reply from Dr. Porter." She added.
"Thank you." Darla replied politely.
"Honey, you are not able to stay here twenty-four hours a day." Mom Roberts said, putting her arm around her daughter's shoulders.
"I know I am not able alone, Mother, but the Bible says if two or more agree on anyone thing, asking in Jesus' name it shall be done." She explained looking into her mother's eyes as though she was desperate.
"I know what the Bible says, I believe prayers are just as effective whether at one's side or miles away."
"I suppose you are right. I do not want Kelley left alone though. He needs to know he is not alone."
"I agree Honey and we will fight for this." Sister Peterson said, determined.
"Babe, let us give the Peterson's some time with their son." Dad Roberts suggested, putting his hand on his daughter's back as though prepared to guide her from the room.
Darla gave her husband a light kiss and then silently left her husband's side as her father had suggested, as did her parents and brother.
"Sis, maybe you should go home and rest." Bill suggested, putting his arm around her shoulder.
"Kelley's parents, I am sure would welcome this time with their son."
"I want to be with Kelley also, Bill." Darla informed, looking at her brother as though surprised with his suggestion.
"Kelley does not know you are here, Dar. You are drained and you will need your strength to be strong for Kelley when he regains consciousness." He advised.
Dr. Porter entered the waiting room before Darla could respond.
"Mrs. Peterson."
"Yes Sir?" Darla questioned, hoping for a change in her husband's condition.
"I am assuming this is your family."
"Yes, my parents and brother."
"I have informed the nursing staff to grant you your request on your husband's behalf. I am familiar with your husband's faith in God. We met a few years ago when he would come here to pray for the sick or injured. I know he would expect of you what you have requested. You are also right in assuming your husband is able to hear you. It is most likely that he hears. If you are able to arrange someone at his side talking with him, this may bring him out of unconsciousness sooner. I have explained this to your in-laws already. It is a pleasure to meet Preacher Kel's wife." Dr. Porter extended his hand to Darla with a reassuring smile.